The Japanese government has provided a total of US$378,342 to carry out four rehabilitations of irrigation systems under Japan’s economic cooperation framework, the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE” Grant).

The grant contracts were signed the February 25th by Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Kuroki Masafumi, and the representatives of four Provincial Departments of Water Resource and Meteorology.

The grant will be used to support O-Ankrong, O’Daung, O’Taki and Sre Preah irrigation system rehabilitation projects in Prey Veng, Kep, Battambang and Mondulkiri provinces respectively, according to a press release of the Embassy of Japan.

Japan’s “KUSANONE” Grant Assistance started in Cambodia in 1991 in order to support Cambodia’s reconstruction and development efforts at the grassroots level. The assistance is aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from such factors as poverty and misfortunes that directly threaten their lives, livelihood, and dignity, as well as at promoting self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over US$46.3 millions for local authorities and non-governmental organizations to implement 448 projects throughout the country.